Press Releases

Wednesday, December 23, 2008
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Angela Speed
Direct: (414) 431-6104
E-mail: aspeed@wihumane.org

The Cat Climbed Our Tree Again
Holiday Safety Tips from the Wisconsin Humane Society

MILWAUKEE - The Wisconsin Humane Society would like to remind families to keep their animals safe this holiday season. Holiday festivities, decorations and visitors often present unique situations that can be harmful to your animals. Follow these simple tips to keep your four-legged friends safe and happy!

• Keep holiday treats out of reach. Chocolate, chicken bones and skin, greasy foods, grapes, onions, candies and bread dough can all cause serious health problems for your companion animal.
• Your cat may see your holiday tree as new territory to explore… and conquer. Avoid glass ornaments, tinsel and low-hanging decorations. Also, keep Fido out of the tree stand’s water, which can cause gastrointestinal problems.
• Don’t allow electrical cords to dangle or run loosely across the floor. Keep all of them safely taped down and unplug them when you are away from home.
• Tinsel, string, ribbon and yarn will all be seen as delightful toys, especially to your cat. Keep these things out of reach. They can cause serious internal damage if swallowed.
• Don’t place holiday candles within reach of Fido. The pretty flame can be an enticement and candles can easily be knocked over. To keep your household safe, never leave a candle burning while you are away or sleeping.
• Keep all of those extra electrical cords from being a tempting toy. Don’t allow cords to dangle or run loosely across the floor. Keep all of them safely taped down and unplug them when you are not home.
• Be aware that some popular holiday plants can be toxic if ingested. These include, but are not limited to, holly, mistletoe, azalea, hibiscus, amaryllis and Christmas rose. The jury is still out on poinsettias, but it is advised to keep them out of reach just in case.
• With all the holiday traffic, provide a quiet oasis where your animals can retreat to if they become overwhelmed with all the commotion. Likewise, if you host a party, be sure Sparky doesn’t try to make a clever escape with one of your guests.

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Note: To schedule an interview with a Wisconsin Humane Society representative, contact Angela Speed at (414) 431-6104. There are also many animals available for adoption who are looking for homes for the holidays. They will be available for filming, as well.